News and stories

All of the latest news and updates from Genetic Alliance UK can be found below. This includes the release of our latest reports and findings, as well as pieces that our member organisations have requested that we share.

 

We also share stories, images and experiences from those living with genetic, rare and undiagnosed conditions. Individuals affected by these conditions are at the heart of everything that we do and we want to champion these communities by amplifying their voices, individually and collectively. 

 

If you’d like to have your story included on our website then get in touch.

NHS 10 Year Plan | Update

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Yesterday (3 July 2025) the government released 'Fit for the future: 10 Year Health Plan for England'. We've analysed the plan, exploring its potential and pinpointing areas where community involvement is crucial to ensure equitable, patient-centred care. Read our initial thoughts and conclusions below.

Janet’s story

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After a decade of unanswered questions, Janet finally discovered she has Laryngeal mucous membrane plasmacytosis – a condition so rare she can no longer eat and survives entirely on intravenous nutrition. Through career changes, adapting daily life, and finding new passions, she’s built a life beyond her diagnosis. This is Janet's story.

Research study summary | implementation and impact of whole genome sequencing in the NHS Genomic Medicine Service

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In 2020, Celine Lewis, a behavioural scientist who previously worked at Genetic Alliance UK, embarked on a project to look at the delivery of whole genome sequencing in the NHS (the Genomic Medicine Service, or GMS). The focus was on how well the GMS is working in the diagnosis of rare diseases in children in England. It examined how the new service was rolled out, how prepared healthcare professionals felt, communication practices, parents’ experiences, and psychological impacts. Here she explains some of the work she and her team conducted and the key findings.

Rosie – Undiagnosed Children’s Day

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Rosie was born in April 2022, and for the first 16 weeks things her family lived in their "new family unit" bubble. Rosie's mum shares what happened next.

Bex and Jackson – Undiagnosed Children’s Day

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Bex is mum to 6-year-old Jackson, the youngest of three boys. Jackson has a genetic/neurological condition so rare they have yet to find a name for it. This means Jackson has complex medical, physical, and learning disabilities.

Photo by Michał Bożek on Unsplash. A child's hands playing with colourful building blocks

More than you can imagine

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This is Lucy's story which was written about her son who lives with 22Q11.21 Micro Duplication. The story was submitted as part of ‘More than you can imagine: an anthology of rare experiences‘, created for Rare Disease Day 2025.

Photo by Matthias Oberholzer on Unsplash. Taken of the colosseum in Rome

More dance partners than you can imagine

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This is Alan's short story which was submitted to ‘More than you can imagine: an anthology of rare experiences‘, created for Rare Disease Day 2025. It discusses experiences of living with Poland syndrome.